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When people think about visiting Hawaii, the discussion often turns to the questions, "Which islands should we visit?" and "How much does airfare between islands cost?" A simple solution lies in taking a cruise of the Hawaiian Islands. Most cruise lines visit about four islands -- usually Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii and Maui -- during a seven-day cruise, providing an exotic "sampler" of the 50th state.

Significance

The ports of call on a Hawaiian cruise have been selected to show that Hawaii is more than beaches and pineapples. Hawaiian scenery runs the gamut from beautiful beaches, pretty farmland and gardens to awe-inspiring mountains, volcanoes, canyons and waterfalls.

Considerations

A moderately priced cruise, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, can be an economical way to see Hawaii, as your ship will take you from one island to the other without the extra expense of airfare. A cruise also includes all meals and entertainment, helping you avoid the higher prices inland.

Features

The ship's excursions generally include some of the most popular activities in Hawaii, such as attending an authentic luau, complete with hula- and fire-dancers, taking a helicopter ride over an active volcano or visiting Pearl Harbor. You can also do some of these on your own or with a private guide or driver.

Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is the only ship that offers seven-day cruises year round, but Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer cruises out of the islands during the year. Many world cruises and South Pacific cruises also include the Hawaiian Islands as ports of call.

Expert Insight

Although most port visits last only a day (with the ship sailing at night), a cruise gives you a taste of the various islands, enabling you to decide which one, or more, you'll return to visit later. Even though Hawaii is par of the U.S., get ready for the slower pace and the pleasant "aloha spirit" that make it so special.

References

About the Author

Debbie Selinsky is an award-winning writer based in North Carolina. Selinsky is the former senior editor of "Success Magazine" and deputy director of the Duke University News Service. She has written about travel for many years and specializes in cruise travel, having sailed on more than 100 cruises. Selinsky attended North Greenville University, Oregon Institute of Technology and the Poynter Institute for Journalistic Excellence.